Blessed are You Infants.

Homily for December 5, 2017.

“I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.” Luke 10:21. 

In our Gospel passage this morning, we hear Jesus blessing God for hiding certain things from the wise and revealing them to mere infants. Who are these infants Jesus was referring to? His disciples who had just returned from the missions with good news.

Having sent them two by two into the surrounding villages that he himself was to visit, they came back with joy saying that even the demons are subject to them. That was when Jesus blessed God on their behalf.

So, if Jesus was referring to the disciples as infants, who then are the wise? Who are those who are blind without even knowing; those from who the hidden mysteries of God are hidden? These are those who either do not know God or live as though God does not exist.

The wise are those so full of themselves and full of their knowledge of the world that they feel they have no need for God. The wise also includes those who study about God but do not believe in God personally. Indeed, without that childlike attitude, we can never really say we know God.

Dear friends, one of the great benefits of advent is that it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the Infant Jesus and by so doing remind ourselves that heaven is not for those who are able to humble themselves as infants.

If God decided to be so humble to come to us as a baby, why can’t I humble myself as a child in my dealings with others?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me humble myself. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the First week of advent. Bible Study: Isaiah 11:1-10 and Luke 10:21-24.